College of the Ozarks searching for new president, Jerry Davis to become chancellor
College of the Ozarks has launched a national search for its next president and plans to start interviewing applicants as early as January.
Jerry Davis, who has been president of the private Christian institution dubbed "Hard Work U" since 1988, will transition to a new role — chancellor — June 1.
That is the same date the next president is expected to start working on the campus in Point Lookout.
Davis disclosed in a news release this week that he'd planned to transition out of the college presidency in 2020.
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"When the pandemic occurred, he decided to delay until the college weathered the storm. We are grateful for his steady hand during the national crisis" said Terrence Dake, chairman of the college's Board of Trustees, in the release.
"Because of his leadership, College of the Ozarks was one of the three percent of colleges and universities that maintained in-person classes in the 2020-2021 school year, which took courage and sacrifice on the part of the students, faculty, staff, and administration.”
In late October, the board accepted a request by Davis to transition from president to chancellor. The news was made public this week.
Davis, who has significantly raised the profile of the college, especially in conservative circles, will continue to interact with donors in the new role.
He has been a frequent guest on Fox News, which has featured the college's student trips with military veterans to overseas battlefields, prohibition of kneeling during the national anthem and lawsuit to halt anti-discrimination housing rule on campus.
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"My dedication to College of the Ozarks has never wavered, and I will stay actively engaged in my new role as chancellor while our next president builds upon the foundation and takes the helm of the day-to-day operations," Davis said, in the release.
"Our donor base has increased by several thousand the past few years, and Shirley and I will enjoy spending most of our time visiting many of them.”
The job posting on the Chronicle of Higher Education noted Davis will assume the role "for a period of time to assist in the work of donor relations."
Davis and wife, Shirley, have been married for 55 years. They have three children and 10 grandchildren.
Dake, the board chair, explained the transition this way: "...Davis will continue to serve the institution that he has grown and shepherded into a school of national prominence."
Prior to College of the Ozarks, Davis spent 11 years as president of Alice Lloyd College in Kentucky,
The college offers students the chance to work on campus to graduate debt free.
According to the release, the college has invested more than $50 million in construction during Davis' long tenure. The endowment has also increased substantially.
The college is also home to the School of the Ozarks, offering a K-12 education on the campus.
“I have witnessed monumental changes during my 33-year tenure as president, and I’ve never been more optimistic about the future of College of the Ozarks and its positive impact on our country, which desperately needs leaders who know what they believe and why and who love America," Davis said, in the release.
According to the job posting, the position requires at least a doctorate in an academic field and senior leadership experience.
"The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong background in the Christian faith, indicating compatibility with the college’s mission. The desired candidate will have a background in Christian education, including experience at the collegiate level."
Salary and benefits are commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Claudette Riley is the education reporter for the News-Leader. Email news tips to criley@news-leader.com.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: C of O searching for new president, Jerry Davis to become chancellor
